Summary
Are humans designed to take naps during the day? This intriguing question explores our natural sleep patterns and suggests that our bodies might be hardwired for more than just one long stretch of sleep at night.
📝 Highlights
- Monophasic Sleep: Most people aim to achieve seven to nine hours of sleep in one continuous session at night, known as monophasic sleep.
- Biphasic Sleep: Evidence suggests that humans might be naturally inclined towards biphasic sleep, incorporating a longer nighttime sleep and a short afternoon nap, similar to siesta cultures.
🔍 Key Insights
- Afternoon Drowsiness: Many experience a noticeable dip in alertness in the afternoon, which is not solely due to a heavy lunch but appears to be a natural, preprogrammed drop in brain alertness.
- Napping Benefits and Drawbacks:
- Naps can benefit the brain and body, offering a refreshing break in our daily routine.
- However, long naps, particularly in the afternoon or early evening, might interfere with nighttime sleep, akin to snacking before a meal.
- Advice for Better Sleep:
- If you're struggling with nighttime sleep, it's advisable to avoid napping during the day to build up the necessary sleepiness for a restful night.
- For those who don't have trouble sleeping at night, a brief 20-minute nap earlier in the day can be beneficial.
Watch the Video
Video URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uEHu8LIZUKI
